Wolverhampton’s Jimenez exits injured as Everton seeks opener in Carabao Cup clash

Raúl Jiménez’s return to Wolverhampton Wanderers has been one of the feel-good stories of the early season. That narrative hit a speed bump on Tuesday when the Mexican striker limped off the pitch after just 38 minutes of Wolves’ Carabao Cup third-round tie against Everton.

The match at Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool was still scoreless when Jiménez departed, replaced by Adam Armstrong as Wolves were forced into an early tactical reshuffle against Premier League opposition.

A blow at the worst possible time

Jiménez had been in sharp form heading into the September 16 fixture. Just three days earlier, on September 13, he netted a late winner to secure a 1-0 victory over Sheffield United in league play.

His re-signing ahead of the club’s 150th anniversary season was meant to signal ambition. A Championship club with Premier League-caliber talent up front, ready to mount a serious promotion push. Losing that talismanic presence before the first half even ended was, to put it mildly, not part of the script.

For Wolves supporters, the sight of Jiménez walking off carries an uncomfortable weight. The striker’s career has been defined as much by resilience as by talent, having previously overcome a serious skull fracture sustained in November 2020.

A cagey affair at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The match itself wasn’t exactly a showcase of attacking football. Neither side managed to break through before half-time, with the score sitting at 0-0 and shots on target at a premium for both teams.

Everton, playing on home soil, were the ones pushing for the opener as the half wore on. The Toffees occupy England’s top flight while Wolves currently compete in the Championship, creating a clear tier gap on paper.

What Jiménez’s absence means for Wolves

Beyond the immediate cup match, the real concern for Wolverhampton sits in the days and weeks ahead. Jiménez is central to their Championship campaign. His goal against Sheffield United demonstrated that he remains a difference-maker at this level, capable of producing decisive moments when games are tight.

Adam Armstrong is a capable replacement, experienced enough to lead the line in a cup match. But Jiménez brings a presence, both physical and psychological, that’s difficult to replicate.

Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.